One of the most common debates in the writing world is about pantsers verses plotters. Though these two types of writers are treated like an either/or option, it really is more of a sliding scale measurement for writing methods. Still, Read more
One of the biggest struggles writers have with characters is portraying their emotions. It’s the issue of “show, don’t tell” again. While most writers get the hang of showing the character’s emotions rather than telling them, it can be hard Read more
You have a book that you want to publish, but do you have an author name? You have the option of publishing your books under your name or a pen name. There’s nothing wrong with choosing either option. If you’re Read more
Some writers start a book without knowing any of the details, and others have a meticulous outline of the story before they sit down to write. I fall somewhere in the middle. For my characters, I like to have some Read more
There are two types of conflict in every story: internal and external. Both are necessary to make a good and relatable story, but usually a book will focus on one type of conflict over the others. Below is an explanation Read more
Although writing on a typewriter or with a pen is still an option, the easiest way to write is on a computer program. Why am I pointing this out? Because even though it’s the easiest way, it still has its Read more
When you’re developing characters, it’s important to make them relatable and believable—which means they must have weaknesses. Even superman, with his larger-than-life superpowers and upstanding character, has weaknesses. If he didn’t, people would get bored with his story really fast. Read more
Writing short stories is a great way to play around with your writing. You can try different genres, a new style, or just write something to take a break from your current novel. These stories can be submitted to contests Read more
How do you know you’ve made it as a writer? Maybe when you’ve written a whole book. When you have an agent. Or when someone you don’t personally know reads and likes your book. It could be when you see Read more
I had two choices, and neither guaranteed my safety. Crouching beside a tree, I let the crickets’ song ease my nerves. I knew taking the stone pathway to the river would leave me with no immediate cover, but the other Read more